Trying Chicken Asado Recipe Pollo Asado was a game-changer in my kitchen last weekend, and I have to tell you all about it. The burst of citrusy freshness, the kick of spices, and the incredible aroma that filled my home were unforgettable.
The juicy, tender chicken marinated and cooked to perfection was devoured by my family before I even had a chance to grab seconds! Whether you’re hosting guests or looking for a vibrant weeknight meal, this recipe is the comforting upgrade you didn’t know your chicken dinners needed.
Now, I’m here to share this incredible Chicken Asado recipe so you can experience it too. Get ready to explore rich flavors and easy steps. Trust me, once you serve this dish, you’ll find yourself coming back to the recipe again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Chicken Asado recipe is full of reasons to make its way into your menu. From its irresistible taste to how easy it is to prepare, here’s why this dish will win you over.
1. Bursting with Flavor 
The combination of citrus juices, freshly minced garlic, earthy spices, and a hint of cilantro creates a marinade so vibrant, you’ll catch yourself sneaking tastes before the chicken even hits the pan!
2. Easy to Prepare
It’s as simple as mixing the marinade, letting the chicken soak up all the goodness, and cooking it to golden perfection. While it looks fancy, I promise you won’t spend hours in the kitchen.
3. Highly Versatile
This recipe works for various occasions. Pair it with rice for a family dinner, or serve it with warm tortillas for a taco night. It fits seamlessly into any spread.
4. Dietary Options and Meal Prep-Friendly
If you’re watching your diet, this dish can easily be adapted to suit your needs. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and store it to enjoy later.
5. A Latin-Inspired Treat 
Chicken Asado brings a taste of Latin American cuisine to your table. The bright flavors and spices feel like a celebration in every bite!
Cooking Time
Here’s how much time you’ll need to bring this flavorful dish to life.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Juice of 2 limes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Variations
Want to mix things up or make the recipe more customized? Here are a few ideas to spice things up.
- Swap out chicken thighs for boneless chicken breast or even drumsticks.
- For a dairy-free option, ensure you skip adding any cheese topping during serving (if you choose to get creative).
- Bring in extra flavor by adding red pepper flakes or chili powder to the marinade.
- Don’t have fresh citrus? You can easily use bottled orange and lime juices, though fresh gives the best results.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowl: For preparing the marinade.
- Sealable Plastic Bag or Dish: To marinate the chicken.
- Skillet/Frying Pan: For cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Tongs: To handle the seared chicken.
How to Make Chicken Asado Recipe?
Cooking Chicken Asado is not just simple but also so much fun! Follow these steps to master the recipe 
.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade 
Combine the juice of 2 oranges and 2 limes, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a bowl. Whisk it all together until fully blended for the ultimate flavor base.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your 4 chicken thighs in a sealable bag or flat dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or even overnight if you have time) so the flavors soak through.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken 
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow the excess to drip off. Place the chicken in the skillet, skin-side down, and sear each side for about 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables 
Now, it’s time to cook the onion and bell pepper. Toss the thinly sliced onion and bell pepper into the same skillet, letting them soften and caramelize for about 3–4 minutes. This step adds depth to the dish.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, tucking them among the vegetables. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes. The key is making sure the chicken is cooked all the way through (165°F internal temperature).
Step 6: Garnish and Serve 
Finish off by sprinkling fresh cilantro over the dish and serving with lime wedges for a zesty touch. Pair it with your favorite side dish, and you’ve got a meal to impress!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Marinating Time: For maximum flavor, aim to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours.
- Cooking Temperature: Cook the chicken at medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring it cooks evenly.
- Cut Your Veggies Uniformly: This ensures the onions and peppers cook evenly while adding a nice presentation.
- Don’t Rush the Searing Process: That golden crust on the chicken enriches the flavor!
How to Serve Chicken Asado Recipe?
Chicken Asado is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it with white rice, coconut rice, or warm tortillas for a satisfying meal. For added flair, sprinkle chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. You can even pair it with black beans or a light salad for balance.
If you’d like a festive approach, serve everything on one large, colorful platter for a family-style presentation. Garnishing with thin lime slices and fresh cilantro leaves always adds an extra pop!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a snapshot of the nutritional value to help keep your meal well-balanced.
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
Chicken Asado is a wonderful dish for leftovers or meal prep.
Refrigeration
Store the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months! Just be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
By following these steps, Chicken Asado (Pollo Asado) will quickly become a recipe you turn to over and over again. Its vibrant flavors, easy process, and versatility make it a must-try dish that’s guaranteed to win over anyone who takes a bite. Get ready to enjoy a flavorful Latin twist in your kitchen!
See how it’s done step by step in this video:
Chicken Asado Recipe Pollo Asado
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Juice of 2 limes
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper red, green, or yellow, thinly sliced
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the juice of 2 oranges and 2 limes, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a bowl. Whisk it all together until fully blended for the ultimate flavor base.
- Place your 4 chicken thighs in a sealable bag or flat dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or even overnight if you have time) so the flavors soak through.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow the excess to drip off. Place the chicken in the skillet, skin-side down, and sear each side for about 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
- Now, it’s time to cook the onion and bell pepper. Toss the thinly sliced onion and bell pepper into the same skillet, letting them soften and caramelize for about 3–4 minutes. This step adds depth to the dish.
- Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, tucking them among the vegetables. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes. The key is making sure the chicken is cooked all the way through (165°F internal temperature).
- Finish off by sprinkling fresh cilantro over the dish and serving with lime wedges for a zesty touch. Pair it with your favorite side dish, and you’ve got a meal to impress!
Notes
- Marinating Time: For maximum flavor, aim to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours.
- Cooking Temperature: Cook the chicken at medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring it cooks evenly.
- Cut Your Veggies Uniformly: This ensures the onions and peppers cook evenly while adding a nice presentation.
- Don’t Rush the Searing Process: That golden crust on the chicken enriches the flavor!
